Commentary
Now that it's over...
The long months of campaigning and the nationalpreoccupation with the race for political office in the CaymanIslands have ended with the close of the polls and the declarationof the winners.
The people have spoken, loud and clear about who their choicesare to form the government for the next four years.
There remains another step for the conclusion of the electionprocess: on November 13, ballot returns and official reports onthe elections will be given to the Supervisor of Elections, Mr.Kearney Gomez in accordance with the law. After inspection, hethen forwards these to H. E. the Governor, Mr. Peter Smith, CBE.
Thereafter, for the newly elected leaders and for the country,it will be time to get down to to the business of nation building.After a long campaign during which, unfortunately, the ugly scepterof divisive politics and mudslinging reared their heads in theintensity of the race for political power, it will be time forall concerned to extend the olive branch of forgiveness, as afirst step in the process of healing.
Already, there are whispers about horse-trading and deals beingcut for in preparation for the next step - election to ExecutiveCouncil. While such deliberations may well be a necessary partof the process, it is to be hoped that the focus will be placedwhere it rightly belongs - on what is best for the long-term goodof the people of the Cayman Islands and for the continued developmentof the country. This must supercede all partisan considerationsand any inclination to elect a team on the basis of friendshipand old political alliances.
Perhaps, it is time to begin a national debate on the advancementof the constitution, to institute a political system with a ChiefMinister and Cabinet who are held ultimately responsible for theiractions and for which there are checks and balances against abuseof power.
The large number of candidates jockeying for the limited numberof seats in some districts has also led some to suggest that perhapsit is high time for the emergence of political parties to contestnational elections.
Many good people came forward as candidates in this election.Their efforts were not in vain. They fought the good fight. Andeven though some have not been victorious at the polls, theirwillingness to contribute should not be overlooked.
It is therefore incumbent on the new government to extend a handof inclusiveness so that all hands are on deck the good ship Cayman.
Desmond Seales
Publisher